Justify Colt Takes the Lead at Fasig-Tipton October

On the heels of a September buying spree, another pricey Justify   colt took the eye of agent Gavin O'Connor Oct. 23 at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearlings Sale. O'Conner outlasted the competition to acquire Hip 227 for $500,000 from Woods Edge Farm on behalf of buyer John Stewart deep into Day 1 of the four-day sale.

"The horse is a beautiful specimen; we wanted to pick up a couple more horses at this sale before coming out strong at the November breeding stock sale," Stewart said. "We have some things planned and are trying to balance out the portfolio of horses we have right now. This Justify colt is a good addition and a great physical; we liked everything about the horse."

Named Just Royal, the colt is out of the stakes-placed French Deputy mare Champagne Royale ; he is a half sibling to Majestic Harbor , a grade 1-winning millionaire by Rockport Harbor, and Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Danza , by Street Boss .

The Kentucky-bred from Spry Family Farm made his first trip through an auction ring as a weanling last year during the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale, selling for $250,000 to Brady Bloodstock. This year, Woods Edge Farm sent him through the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, where he failed to attain his reserve at $325,000.

The colt was the highest-priced offering midway through the first session Monday. Earlier, another son of Justify commanded $300,000 from De Meric Sales.

"I'm a buyer, not a bidder, so we were buying the horse regardless," commented Stewart. "I'm happy at $500,000, and I think we got a good deal. There is a lot of money left on the table for us."

Not long after their first purchase O'Connor signed for a Good Magic   filly, Hip 266, from Indian Creek for $150,000. The second dam, Classic Approval, boasts the likes of multiple grade 3 winners Gulch Approval, Rusty Slipper , grade 2 placed Highest Class , and Approval Rating  twice grade 3 placed.

The chestnut filly was bred in Maryland by Walter Nelson Vieser II and sold last month for $75,000 to Miacomet Farm.

Stewart and O'Connor made a splash during the Keeneland September Sale where he purchased 13 yearlings for a total of $8,425,000.

Stewart said of his September purchases, "They are all doing great; most are already broke, and now we are talking with trainers, trying to get the right fit."

As Blue Grouper Racing, Stewart had his first starter Oct. 15 at Keeneland with trainer Michael McCarthy. The juvenile, a Vino Rosso   filly named Shiloh's Mistress , ran sixth in a maiden special weight with John Velazquez in the saddle. Stewart purchased her in 2022 for $235,000 at the September Sale.

Stewart addressed frequent conversations at the sales grounds that he was acquiring the Midway operation of Shadwell Stud by confirming his intention to buy the 800-acre property.

"We have put an offer in to buy the Shadwell Farm, so we are trying to stock up 800 acres with horses," he said.